Molecular Materials
The research activities of the Ruben-group at the Institute of Nanotechnology (INT) deal with the design of functional nano-systems by state-of-the-art organic/inorganic synthesis and supramolecular self-assembly techniques. At the INT, we are thematically organised in the interdisciplinary research topics of Functional Molecules, Molecular Electronics and Carbon-based Nanostructures.
Video: Spin-phonon coupling in a single-molecule resonator

A publication in Chemical Sciences shows how Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs) exhibiting exchange coupled QTM can be synthesized by insertion of environmentally harmful CO2.
Chem. Sci., 2017, Advance Article
The Einstein–de Haas effect at the quantum level has been demonstrated using a single-molecule magnet attached to a carbon nanotube mechanical nanoresonator.
Nature Commun. 2016
Divergent Coordination Chemistry is featured by two, in parallel synthesized tauto-isomeric Fe(II)4 L4 tetramers differing strongly in their magnetic properties. Cover
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016
TbPc2 single-molecule magnets adsorbed on a magnesium oxide tunnel barrier exhibit record magnetic remanence, record hysteresis opening, perfect out-of-plane alignment of the magnetic easy axes, and self-assembly into a well-ordered layer. Cover
Advanced Materials 2016
A rational design approach guided by theoretical calculations is used to customize the spin texture of surface states of a topological insulator (TI) Bi2Se3. These tailored interface properties—passivation, spin-texture tuning, and creation of hybrid interface states—lay a solid foundation for interface-assisted molecular spintronics in spin-textured materials.
Nano Lett 2015
Controlling light at the nanoscale by electrical fields requires objects, in which electro-magnetic properties are responsive to gating fields. In two recent publications it was shown that molecules fulfil this requirement and act as such quantum transducers. This article was presented as research highlight in Nature Photonics.
Nano Letters 2013 &

A recent publication in Science shows how coherent single nuclear-spin manipulation using electric fields only can be achieved. This quantum-mechanical process is present in all nuclear spin systems and uses of the hyperfine Stark effect as a magnetic field transducer at the atomic level.
Science June 2014
12-2012
A single TbPc2 molecule and a carbon nanotube interact electro-mechanically as quantum objects.
Nature News and Views by Richard Winpenny.
Nat. Nanotechnol. 2013
The spin state of a coupled spin-system can be switched electronically.
Nat. Nanotechnol. 2013
For the first time nuclear spin states could be read out electronically by integrating single quantum magnets into circuits. Long nuclear spin lifetimes (tens of seconds) and exceptional relaxation characteristics at the single-atom scale open the way to a completely new device world, into which quantum logics may be implemented. Nat. Nanotech. News and Views by Herre van der Zant.

In collaboration with the group of R. Wiesendanger we report the first direct real-space images of spin-split molecular orbitals at a TbPc2-Co(111) spinterface.
Spin Split in Nat. Commun. 2012